[2.1] Blueprint snap-to-grid inputs should support math expressions
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2026 12:30 pm
Since 2.0, most numeric input fields in Factorio support math expressions, for instance (3+5)*4 or 3k/6. However the grid size parameters on blueprints are an exception to this and only allow exact values.
Why I think this is important
Often when I'm making a blueprint, I need to capture "extra parts" outside of the main desired "grid", generally for beacons or belt connections. Currently the only way to cut the grid to the proper size is to manually calculate the proper "width" and "height" value you want before hand and then enter those values. However if math expressions were supported and for example you knew you needed to subtract 9 from the width, you could simply write -9 at the end of the current value and the proper width would automatically be calculated. Alternatively players could "work forward" with an expression like 3 * 4, 3 being the machine size and 4 being the machine count in the example picture.
Extra considerations
Currently the grid size parameters update the bounding box in the blueprint preview immediately upon any value change. If math expressions are supported, the bounding box would have to wait until the user presses enter/otherwise confirm before calculating and updating the preview
Why I think this is important
Often when I'm making a blueprint, I need to capture "extra parts" outside of the main desired "grid", generally for beacons or belt connections. Currently the only way to cut the grid to the proper size is to manually calculate the proper "width" and "height" value you want before hand and then enter those values. However if math expressions were supported and for example you knew you needed to subtract 9 from the width, you could simply write -9 at the end of the current value and the proper width would automatically be calculated. Alternatively players could "work forward" with an expression like 3 * 4, 3 being the machine size and 4 being the machine count in the example picture.
Extra considerations
Currently the grid size parameters update the bounding box in the blueprint preview immediately upon any value change. If math expressions are supported, the bounding box would have to wait until the user presses enter/otherwise confirm before calculating and updating the preview
- Example blueprint
- 07-23-2026, 15-04-59.png (504.53 KiB) Viewed 170 times
